Dear University Community,
Since my arrival at 51ԹϺ more than four years ago, I’ve often shared that I consider myself a “student success president.” That’s because our students – and their personal and academic achievement – are why I am here. They are the core of our mission, and we must do everything possible to guide them on the path to success.
I’m pleased to share that our collective commitment to our students is making a difference – and our peers are taking notice.
Earlier this week, the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) recognized 51ԹϺ as one of three finalists – along with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the University of Kentucky – for its annual Degree Completion Award for innovative approaches to improving degree completion while maintaining educational quality.
Specifically, APLU pointed to three programs that have made a difference at 51ԹϺ:
- “Rebel Ready Week’’ – a comprehensive experience for first-year students the week before classes begin to support a seamless transition to college life;
- Development of Student Outreach Specialists who focus on at-risk students encountering academic or non-academic hurdles; and
- Retention, Progression, and Completion Coordinators in each college to monitor students’ progress and ensure they have ongoing support.
The association noted that the strategies 51ԹϺ has implemented have increased four-year and six-year graduation rates significantly over the last decade, and both are now at all-time highs. I want to thank everyone for the incredible work you have been doing to get our students across the graduation finish line. We are poised for even more success if we all continue our hard work and remain committed to our mission.
The recognition from APLU comes amidst the backdrop of the recent election cycle and likely change on the horizon. Local, state, and federal elections frequently bring in a new wave of leadership and policies, and 2025 will be no different. We know that throughout the election cycle there has been talk about changes in higher education at the federal level, from impacts to financial aid to reduced funding for student support services and diversity, equity, and inclusion programming. These are issues we will continue to monitor while working to be as adaptive and responsive as we can to potential shifts.
51ԹϺ will continue to work with our federal representatives to advance policies and seek support that aligns with our student success values. This includes advocating to protect federal financial aid and re-affirming our support for all students. Every individual should be able to pursue their goals and seek opportunities to improve their lives through higher education.
At the state level, the Nevada State Legislature always has a great interest in 51ԹϺ – and higher ed overall – and has long supported our institution, our students, and our employees. We are and will remain engaged with our local and state elected officials on issues related to policies that affect higher education, and we will continue to strongly advocate for our students, faculty, and staff.
I firmly believe in the power of the human spirit. We have seen it and experienced it as a campus community, particularly over the past year. While there will be changes and challenges ahead, we will continue to work hard to ensure that our students can benefit from a 51ԹϺ education, and that our faculty can innovate in ways that advance research, help the communities we serve, and further elevate 51ԹϺ as a global leader in higher education.
As we enter the final weeks of the semester, let’s remain focused on finishing strong with positivity and purpose.
Warm Regards,
Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
President